Fiftieth Anniversary Announcement
The Argus Leader (Sioux Falls, South Dakota) 08 May 1988, Sun.
"Mr. and Mrs. Lowell
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lowell of Sioux Falls, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. May 15 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, 405 S. Mable.
The event will be hosted by their children, Myra Feay, Cheryl Murfield, and Russell. They also have five grandchildren.
The couple request no gifts."

“West Soo Roller Rink owner
Charles Lowell dies at 88:
by David Kranz
“One of Charles Edward Lowell’s greatest pleasures was providing the youth of Sioux Falls with something to do.
“His West Soo Roller Rink was one of the most popular places to go for 37 years.
“Lowell, 88, died of cancer Saturday at Good Samaritan Center.
“He had a kind, loving, gentle spirit. In the last few days when he had a lot of pain he was always thanking people for what they were doing for him,” said his daughter, Myra Feay.
“He was an exceptional gardener and enjoyed playing cards.
“But after his family it was the roller rink that gave him the greatest satisfaction, Feay said.
“He started the roller rink in 1941, the same year I was born. He wanted a place with good values for the kids. He was a stern disciplinarian. And he hired a cop to prevent anyone from drinking.” Feay said. “The kids knew he was strict, and they knew they couldn’t get away with anything.”
“To convey his concerns with problem children he sat them on the bench and had a talk with them, she said.
“He made them understand that he didn’t want anybody getting hurt,” she said.
“After 37 years with the rink he retired, but he never lost his love of rollerskating.
“He occasionally would go to Carrousel Skate and watch some of the children turned adults practicing their craft.
“On his 85th birthday his family took him to a wood-floor rink in Sioux City, Iowa, and he put on the skates once again.
“A typical night at the Lowell household was playing cards and other games, but one thing happened every night.
“We always all ate supper together at 5:30 p.m.,” Feay said.
“Because he loved children he was active with Children’s Inn. He became the unofficial godfather of some refugee children, Feay said.
“They were in a poor situation. Mother would make clothes for them. Dad would buy for them. They still kept in contact with him. They really loved him like a father,” Feay said.
“Charles Lowell, 1305 N. Lincoln Ave., was born Nov. 17, 1910, in Sioux Falls. He attended Washington High School.
“He married Gertrude Brockhouse May 5, 1938, in Sioux Falls. They made their home here, and he lived within a three-block area his entire life. She died Feb. 5, 1995.
“He worked as a substitute on the rural mail route for more than 20 years and worked at West Sioux Hardware for 12 years.
“He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and the Center for Active Generations.
“In addition to his daughter, survivors include his son, Russell of Sioux Falls; a daughter, Cheryl Murfield of Sioux Falls; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
“Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday at Emmanuel Baptist Church, with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday at George Boom Funeral Home with family present from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.”

Lowell, John R. and Freda Volsch Lowell. Family.Sitting on the side porch at 1201 N. Lincoln Ave., Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Picture taken about 1911. L. to R.: George J. Lowell, oldest son of John R. and Freda; Viola Furbush Lowell, John's mother; John Franklin Lowell, John R. and Freda's middle child; John R. Lowell; Charles Lowell, John R. and Freda's youngest child; and Freda Volsch Lowell.